News & Updates from Federation

We Asked for This Instead of Party Gifts

Tuesday, September 15

By Ellen Kagen Waghelstein

A joyful birthday celebration became the beginning of a lifelong philanthropic journey. Through Donor Advised Funds, intentional giving, and the Open More Possibilities initiative, one family reflects on building a culture of generosity and passing Jewish values to the next generation.

What Values Should Guide Jewish Life?

Friday, September 11

Gil Preuss, Chief Executive Officer

Rabbi David Stav identifies two core Jewish values: standing against immoral behavior and loyalty to family, community, nation, and people. Adding humility to the framework, this reflection explores how justice, peoplehood, and open conversation can shape a vibrant collective future.

What 300 Jewish Leaders Can Teach Us About Showing Up in a Difficult Moment

Wednesday, September 9

Three hundred Jewish leaders gathered for the National Young Leadership Cabinet Retreat—and discovered that across communities, careers and Jewish experiences, they share the same concerns, responsibilities and commitment to building a stronger Jewish future.

A Full Table for a Sweet New Year

Tuesday, September 8

Rosh Hashanah brings familiar tastes, recipes, and traditions to Jewish families. With support from Federation, Yad Yehuda is helping ensure families facing financial pressure can access kosher food and celebrate the Jewish New Year with dignity and joy.

Four Generations, One Roof

Friday, September 4

Gil Preuss, Chief Executive Officer

Thirty years of family beach week—and four generations under one roof—reminded me what it takes to stay connected. In Jewish life, peoplehood gives us the strength to honor our differences while remaining committed to one another.

What Happens When We Keep Talking About Israel

Wednesday, August 26

Hila, Federation Community Shlicha

At an “Ask Me Anything” gathering, young American Jews and an Israeli Shlicha have an honest conversation about Israel, October 7, identity, and the complicated relationship between Israel and American Jewry.

Turning Gratitude Into Legacy

Wednesday, August 26

Hilary Smith Kapner, Federation Legacy Donor

A scholarship for a six-week NFTY trip to Israel at age 17 sparked a lifelong love for Israel and Jewish community work. Today, that experience inspires a commitment to legacy giving and creating opportunities for the next generation to deepen their Jewish identity.

The Winter Bella Thought She Would Face Alone

Wednesday, August 26

In Odesa, 79-year-old Bella faced freezing winters, power outages, and rising costs alone. Support from The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and JDC provides food, medicine, winter assistance, homecare, and a vital reminder that she remains part of a Jewish community.

The Strength of Jewish Peoplehood

Friday, July 31

Gil Preuss, Chief Executive Officer

Earlier this month I traveled to Ukraine, Georgia, and Poland with Federation leaders to witness the impact of our partnership with JDC. From resilient communities rebuilding Jewish life to centuries of enduring tradition, the trip reaffirmed the power of investing in one another.

Public Investment Strengthens Community Security Across Greater Washington

Wednesday, July 29

Keeping our Jewish community safe requires trusted partnerships, coordinated planning, and community-wide action. Thanks to a new $180,000 grant, JShield is expanding free security training, grant assistance, and emergency preparedness to help Jewish organizations across Greater Washington stay safe and resilient.

The Roots That Hold Us

Tuesday, July 28

From conversion to Judaism and a lifelong commitment to community, Danielle and David Frum found strength in Jewish ritual, philanthropy, and tradition as they navigated the devastating loss of their daughter, Miranda.

A Tu B’Av Story: Finding Love in DC

Tuesday, July 28

When Vanessa Sax moved to DC after college, she was looking for Jewish community—not love. A softball team, one unexpected “Shalom,” and a shared commitment to Jewish life led to a lifelong partnership rooted in tradition, belonging, and helping others build community.

Get to Know Capital Camps

Monday, July 27

The Jewish Community Foundation of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington

A summer away from home can become a lifetime of Jewish connection. For nearly four decades, Capital Camps has helped children build friendships, leadership skills, and Jewish identity through immersive camp experiences made possible by community support and scholarship funding.

There Are So Many Ways to Be Jewish: A Reflection from Mexico City

Tuesday, July 21

By Lindsay Karr, Co-Chair of Federation's Women's Philanthropy Mission to Mexico City

While touring one of Mexico City’s oldest synagogues, one simple insight stayed with me: “There are so many ways to be Jewish.” That perspective shaped our Women’s Philanthropy mission, reminding me that Jewish identity is built through connection, community, and the people who inspire us to keep building together.

A Lesson I’ve Carried Since 1987

Friday, July 10

Gil Preuss, Chief Executive Officer

From delivering hidden Hebrew dictionaries to Soviet refuseniks in 1987 to visiting Jewish communities in Georgia and Ukraine today, this journey reflects the enduring power of global Jewish solidarity and the impact of Federation's commitment to supporting Jewish life across borders.

What Mexico Taught Me About the Global Jewish Community

Wednesday, July 8

Jessika Wellisch, Co-Chair, Federation's Women's Philanthropy Mexico City Mission

When I joined Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy mission to Mexico City, I expected to learn about another Jewish community. Instead, I discovered how deeply connected we are—and how the shared calling to build, create, and strengthen Jewish life continues to shape our future.

The Desk Between Us

Wednesday, July 8

Valerie Landis, Associate Director, Donor Engagement, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington

When Valerie completed her Federation interview writing exercise, she didn’t realize she was sitting at the same desk where her grandfather once wrote fundraising appeals for United Jewish Appeal. His legacy of service quietly became part of her own journey in Jewish communal life.

Pride, Israel, and Building Bridges Through Shlichut

Wednesday, July 1

Chen, Federation Community Shlicha

There was one unforgettable moment during the Pozez JCC Pride celebration that reminded me how powerful acceptance can be. Through Israeli stories, personal connection, and shared experiences, the evening showed how community, belonging, and love can build lasting bridges between people and Israel.